Drowned Spring

Fall betrayed us. Winter shattered us.
Drowned spring brings less hope than anger.
Our fields wait for burning summer

to raise some crop that can feed the heart-hunger
of betrayed women. Of those to whom
drowned spring brings less hope than anger,

condemned for the crime of carrying a womb.
Witness the truth and shattered surprise
of betrayed women, of those to whom

luckless losers told loving lies
and raised shadow-fists in the name of love.
Witness the truth and shattered surprise

of men who swore by some God above
whom they had raised in their own selfish image
and raised shadow-fists in the name of love.

The year turns against those who batter us.
Our fields wait for burning summer.
Fall betrayed us. Winter shattered us,
our hands reach out for the handle of a hammer.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside